Just a Mom...

The best part of Mother's Day and having a missionary is the phone call.  Stetson had called the week before to let us know that he would be calling at 8:00 p.m. which I was so excited.  So, at 7:00 when the phone rang, I was surprised that it was him.  I thought he was on the same time as us, but they are an hour ahead, so I am so glad we did not leave and take a gift down to my mom's.  We were so excited to talk to him.  And as you can see, his smile was from ear to ear and he is doing so great.  He told us funny stories and the best of all was how they found their investigator Karla.  How the spirit told him to go and talk to her.  It was wonderful to watch and listen to him.  He beams as he talks and as always his smile was contagious.  But here are the pictures so you can see.  As it is always the same it was so hard when he told me it was time to hang up.  It seems as if someone hits a switch and the tears start to flow.  I try so hard, and yet I know I will not hear his voice until Christmas.  And after I hung up I Google'd it and it is 227 days until that day...oh bother!

 After I hung up, it is always so melancholy.  I have a hard time just realizing that it will be awhile that our family will be all back together again.  Bridger is in Minnesota for the Summer, Stetson is of course serving the 2nd half of his mission and Caleb is feeling quite lonely at home.  He doesn't realize that this is quite bonus in his favor.  He will I think one day.  But, as I sat there I just remember all the many times being asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, or what my desires and dreams were.  And, to be perfectly and completely honest, it was to be:  Just a mom!!!  I really just wanted to have kids and stay home and have fun with them, have a fun house.  I used to tell my Young Women I wanted to be like the Tim the Tool Man Taylor.  I was lucky enough to get the three boys, but I'm not sure I'm near as fun as "Jill" is.  But, I do try.  I love being a mom.  I just didn't think that my boys would ever really grow up.  I certainly didn't want them to.  I heard so many of my friends say I can't wait until they get older and can do this and this, I never said that.  I never wished it away.  This stage in life, is strange.  Not sure I love it.  I'm getting used to it.  I'm thankful I have a few temporary ones that come around once in awhile that remind me of those times.  Life is good.  Not complaining, and I'm looking forward to wonderful times ahead.  But, to be perfectly honest I wouldn't trade a thing.  I love being:  Just a MOM!!! 

Can you blame me???

A Few Messages and of Course, Pictures

This week we didn't get much in the way of email.  He is trying to help his companion work through some issues of staying. And, it getting to know the area and members there.  He loves how hard working and supportive they are.  It was fun to chat back and forth and he loves the street tacos.  Hoping for more information next Monday as we told him we will pray hard for both him and Elder Perez this week. 

Wow, 2 Weeks in a Row, Don't Expect this...

It seems like it is easiest to take pictures with my IPhone.  So, I can always put pictures up.  It's the typing up the journal part that seems to be the hardest part to do.  If it was just photos, it would be no problem, but it is important to document what is in the pictures. Hard to believe I'm sure that I am doing two weeks in a row...but, it is what it is.  Just don't expect it, because it may not happen again, and most likely will not.  Anyway, here you go...

 I have been going to Four Pillar for quite sometime and Ryan, my trainer asked for a Before, and Now picture.  Caleb was trying to help me out with one.  I made him take one with me.  He is such a great kid.  I love him.  He is so much fun to be with.  He has always had such a fun personality, with a big smile on his face.  I get compliments all the time of what a great young man he is and how he can carry on a great conversation, something kids have a hard time with these days.  He has grown taller than me, quite sometime ago and is probably only a half an inch shorter than his dad.  He has his learner's permit and is driving whenever he gets the chance.  I tell him all the time I wish he'd quite growing and just stay "my baby", but he doesn't seem to want to.  Thanks for being you, pal. You are one awesome dude!

This past year on Instagram I have been trying to read and follow the bom365.  It is where you read everyday from the Book of Mormon and by the end of the year you will have finished with several others.  It is very interesting to read people's comments and thoughts.  I have really enjoyed it.  This last week with it being Easter, there was a challenge called:  #BecauseOfHim I can:  and several things were suggested.  I took advantage of the most of them.  And to be honest it really made me think and ponder of what I could do better to be a better disciple and witness of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am certain I have many things I can improve upon, but for now I am going to focus on a couple that I documented.  Because of Him I can be a better daughter, friend, wife, mom and always be more kind.  I'm going to try really hard to do this.  Next was Because of Him I can be a better me.

 I have really enjoyed this photo challenge.  It has made me really try to think of ways I can be better, and a kinder person.  There is a quote, I found that I love from General Conference said from President Thomas S. Monson.  I have changed the "we" to "I", I'm sure it's probably, ok?  "May I be aware of the need of those around me...may I ever by ready to extend a helping hand and a loving heart"  Who couldn't benefit from this, right?

Then it was Because of Him I live in this Beautiful World:  Although I always say I wish I lived in San Diego.  I really do love my family, friends, home and job too much.  So, that is why I'll never leave.  But, I don't have to love the cold, and you know I don't because I mention it often.  But we do live in such a beautiful place, there is no denying that.

And today was Easter.  It was a great day.  We went to our stake's production of, "Savior of the World"  It was so wonderful.  I especially loved the part of Thomas this time.  It hit me so hard how he was out doing what he was supposed to do and he still needed to see the print of the nail before he believed.  And Christ showed himself to him, and he told him, see now you know.  But, blessed are they that have not seen and yet they believe.  That is all of us! That is me.  That is what our hearts and the Holy Ghost have witnessed to us to be true.  I love this so much.  I know that He lives.  And today's hashtag is:  Because of Him I will be able to be with my family forever.  For this I am grateful, and have been willing to let my boys go and find others to teach this same wonderful truth. I know He lives.  And because I know this, I want others to know and have the same blessings.

This photo challenge has helped me to realize Because Of Him I am truly blessed and it would be unfair if I did not try and share my blessings to others.  I am going to try and be brave and share when I can, but most importantly be a good example to all.  Because of Him I have all that I have and more!

And here is the final picture that most likely will be on the Four Pillar Website.  Am I brave enough...

 We will see, stay tuned...

Catching Up, Always Catching Up...

Seems like there is so many things to try and catch up on. Last time I wrote on this blog I was planning on doing it then and then life has a way of getting in there and making this not so much of a priority.  I keep Stetson's blog up to date each week faithfully which to be honest is the most important one I do.  I have also had to keep up the Biggest Loser blog due to obligations with people's money and so of course that one is done too.  So, this one is like the step child that always gets not really forgotten, but possibly neglected.

I am not even certain that I ever mentioned the fact that I am serving in the YW's as well as, the Stake YW's Girl's Camp Director.  This really is quite a busy calling and it's not until the end of June, however we have been working on it since January 1st.  And, it is starting to really take on speed.  We have an awesome theme:  Be B.R.A.V.E. it's a jungle out there.  Brave stands for Boldly, Righteous and Valiant Everyday.  I have an amazing committee and my assistant is Wendy Fenn.  Wendy has been a good friend for a long time and she has such a strong and secure testimony.  We are going have a wonderful time.  It's an awesome task to have these girls "entertained" and yet let them know how much their Heavenly Father is aware of them and help them Come Unto Christ.  Oh how I pray that I am worthy of this great task.  I have found my prayers have been so sincere and I have tried to follow the spirit and keep my thoughts and things that I watch and participate in close to what He would have me do, so that I can be worthy of inspiration.  I listen all the time, and I have heard and find that He is very aware of what is happening.  But, oh it is busy.

Here are some pictures to let the world know what we've been up to as well, because to be honest, pictures tell so much of a better story than my written word ever will.

 Wayne and I went to Brian Regan and it was so worth the money we paid.  He is such a funny, clean and awesome comedian.  I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time and I thought he was better this time than last.  I so hope he doesn't wait too long before he comes again.  Well done Brian. 

Bridger's mission companion that he met the very first day at the MTC got married at the Salt Lake Temple on February 27th and we were all invited to witness this awesome event.  These brothers definitely were meant to serve and meet each other.  They are and always be "brothers" I have always felt they were an answer to both mothers fervent prayers.
 

 Waiting for them to come out, he still will take a picture with his mom!

 Elder Gomez I told Stetson will most likely be his "Elder Peterson" like Bridger had.  They were like brothers and from the stories Stetson would tell us, they had a wonderful time together.  This last week they were transferred.  And although they were separated, they will remain friends for life.  We have received emails from Elder Gomez' family that compared them to the sons of Mosiah and that they will be reunited.  I am so hoping that will happen. 

 They put Elder Gomez' bed outside.  I'm sure it was a prank before they transferred.  Love Stetson's smile, it just radiates his happiness.  Oh how I miss him...

Caleb is my pal.  He is so much fun to hang with and sometimes I wonder if he knows just how much I worry if he really knows how much I wish he wouldn't grow up.  And yet I have no control.  He is now driving with his learner's permit and he really is a pretty good, cautious driver.  He is serving as the Teacher's Quorum President right now and doing a fine job.  I have watched him become so responsible and I couldn't be more proud.  He has such a fun, and out going personality.  I love you pal.  He was a little bummed we didn't go anywhere for Spring Break, so he and I went shopping.  Not the most ideal place, but he got some new Under Armour shorts and Vans and he seemed to be okay with it all. I think he had a good time, I know I did.  So anyway, pal, Thanks so much for just being you.  We love you so much, you are awesome!

It hardly seems possibly that a year has come and gone since we went and welcomed Elder Bridger Clayton Home from his mission.  But, honestly I can not even explain how much this hug meant to me.  It is seriously the best thing in the whole world.  You wait for them to come to earth.  But, after two years of worry, faith and prayers, when that "boy" stepped off that plane, every emotion came flooding to the surface.  I was so glad to have him home.  And, yet it's been a difficult year.  They have so much to figure out.  Being a "Rock Star" on their mission and then coming home and being just them again, is hard.  I am not sure if I prayed harder while he was over in Honduras or when he was here this last year.  But, I do think he's figuring it all out.  And, it is me, his mom that sometimes get the brunt of it all.  I'm not going anywhere I guess and he knows that.  I will love him no matter what.  He is a good man, and I couldn't be more proud of him.  He is doing just fine.  But, not going to lie, I'm glad he is home.  He learned a lot of lessons that he never could have learned from staying home, and for that I am grateful.  Love you Bridger, so much!

We started another round of The Biggest Loser.  Can this be my final round?  Can I finally be on maintenance.  We will see...  However, this has taught me that it's not about the money.  That will come and go, and quickly.  I have never won the money, and yet in some ways, I feel like the winner.  I have kept going and although it has been a long process, it is a steady, slow, continual process and I will finish...guaranteed.  

April 1st - I was 1 Year Soda Free!!!  This is huge.  All who know me, know that I have been a soda drinker since practically birth.  But, not anymore.  I feel great, and accomplished such a major hurdle.  Didn't think I could ever do it.  But, I did.  I won't go back on...at least I don't think so.  I'm afraid I have a little bit of an addictive behavior and I would fall of the wagon.  So, good ole' water is my beverage of choice, and that's perfectly fine.

The gym I go to asked for a NOW picture, so after several attempts, here it is.  I think they are going to put it on their website.  Probably to show that you can accomplish this.  Takes, time and commitment, but it can happen.  I will get there...

This is Caleb and his awesome seminary teacher Brother Layton.  For conference they gave them the choice to dress in their Sunday clothes and could bring treats *because what church activity doesn't have treats? So, I took peanut butter fingers.  He is such a great teacher.  Caleb is learning so much and many times I find him reading his scriptures and studying them all on his own.  I am so grateful for teachers such as this man.  I, myself did not have such an experience and thank my Father in Heaven for such wonderful, dedicated and devoted servants to teach our youth.  They need great mentors and people they can trust.  You, Brother Layton are one.  Thank you so much.

And, then finally the tulips have bloomed.  It seriously has been probably three years since we have seen a blossom on these.  The deer seem to dine on them regularly.  Maybe they are sick of them, I don't know.  Whatever it is I don't care.  I'm just glad to see them, they make me so happy.  Funny it is the little things that can bring happiness.  And honestly for me, it usually is.

Well, there you have it.  If there are even any who follow this anymore.  If not, that's ok, this is my journal per say anyway.  This way I get my feelings in writing and then one day they may be of value to someone.  This past week we were able to hear from our Prophet and other General Authorities.  We heard such great messages.  One in particular was from President Ucthdorf who reminds us to drink from the gratitude goblet.  I will and have.  I am so grateful for all that I have.  I hope that I remember to tell my Father thank you on a daily basis for ALL that I am blessed with, and in turn do my part to return the favor by serving Him.

Until next time, I hope it's not nearly as long...

Happy 20th Birthday Elder Clayton

Hard to believe that our 2nd boy has turned 20.  WOW!  Where in the world does the time go?  It was my prayer that somehow he would get his package, but he didn't.  I found out later that it arrived a day late.  I sent it in plenty of time, but honestly you never know just how long they take.  However, my prayers were answered as some of the members took great care of him and he said he had an awesome birthday in Mexico.  He sent a wonderful email the next week with the subject title The Best Week of my Mission.  He and his companion were able to baptize a gentle they had been working with and he was so ready.  He was one of those contacts that was ready and is already a great member missionary trying to get those less actives back to church. 
He is doing great things there and I am certain it will only get even better.  But his pictures have been so great from the start, they tell the real story.  I miss him and it's always days like their b-days that it hits even harder.  However, as I've said before, I wouldn't want them home...because they are learning things there that we cannot teach them here.  And for that I am truly grateful.

This is the collage of pictures I sent for the monthly newsletter for our ward.  Honestly, he sends the best photos.  I couldn't ask for more than that!

Five Minutes of Fame on Studio 5

I have been doing this fitness journey for quite some time now.  I am not quite finished, I'm closer than I've ever been, and I will get there, but not quite there.  However, each year KSL's Studio 5 the local network runs a little program where for 30 days they want you to try and lose 10 lbs.  Called the 10 lb Challenge.  I have signed up for the last four years.  Each day they post challenges and advice and things that will help you reach your goal, and each Friday you report in your loss.  Hoping to see 10 pounds at the end.  This year they were having a finale that you submitted your name and your results and waited to see if you were selected to go.  I was lucky enough to be chosen.  I had asked for two tickets, but only got one.  Who cares.  I'm brave enough to go alone.  So, on Friday, February 7, I went to the Bountiful Rec. Center and met Melanie Douglass and Brooke Walker who is the host of Studio 5.  Melanie is the one behind the challenge.  They were going to give out the prizes for those who had participated and met the 10 lbs, as well as run a one-hour cardio workout.  Holy cow, it was probably one of the hardest workouts I have ever done.  But, I did not die.  That is what I got out of all this.  I only lost three pounds in this 30 day event, but, being able to participate in this and live to tell was the biggest and most rewarding prize for me.

This week I will turn 49.  I have to say, this will be actually my 50th year and I am probably in the best shape of my life.  My goal is to do at least 5 5K's before I turn 50 and perhaps maybe even a half marathon.  We will see.  That one scares me a little.  I will see after the summer is over.  That's the goal I am setting today.  So for now, I have one year to see it come to pass.  Not unobtainable...keep watching, this may be interesting, entertaining, and who knows you just may want to join me.  What are you waiting for???

 Here I am with Studio 5's Brooke Walker and Melanie Douglass

 Employee of the Month for ClearLink!  Not suprised!

Bridger is working hard at ClearLink and this last month was chosen as Employee of the Month.  He is such a great young man and always put so much into everything he does.  He will be treated to a lunch with the corporate owners and CEO's and was given a $100 Visa gift card.  Proud of him and all he does.

 Happy 22nd Birthday Bridger

This year it was fun to be able to celebrate his birthday at home as for the last two years he has been in Honduras.  Funny how it used to be such a big day for them and as they get older they just want to spend it with friends and maybe have lunch or dinner.  We love him so much and want all the desires and dreams of his heart to come true. 

The members take great care of Stetson to make sure he has a Happy Birthday in Monterrey.

Two days later we always celebrate Stetson's birthday.  This year as he celebrated in Mexico, it was a true tender mercy that it was on a Monday and his Pday.  I waited all day to finally get an email and hoping that his package arrived.  I had sent it in plenty of time, but it still had not gotten there.  In tracking it, it says it is stuck in customs for some reason.  After reading his email, they are supposed to have a baptism today, Sunday, February 16, and I'm hoping that for some odd reason that maybe something in that box needed to be used for that special day instead.  I tracked it again this week and I'm sure he got it this week.  But, as you can see the members took great care of him. They love him so much and who couldn't with that awesome smile.  I miss him and on days such as their b-days it always makes it harder, but still wouldn't wish him anywhere else.  These lessons he is learning are so important and can not be learned anywhere but where he is.  

Well, for now we are caught up. Always am amazed at how quickly time is going.  I am keeping extremely busy with work and my 2nd calling as Stake Camp Director.  I will also post our fun camp blog on the side of this one, you can always go there and check it out.  It's going to be great fun, but it is a lot of work.  I have such a great committee though which makes it so much easier.  I could not do it alone. Nor, would I ever want or need to.  My committee as well as the help of my Father in Heaven, it will all be fine. 

Time to Catch Up...again...

Hardly seems possible that another month has come and gone since I have been on this blog.  However, I am maintaining others.  So, It's not like I'm not blogging at all.  You can always read Stetson's missionary experiences, I am on top of that every week.  I try and do that each Sunday as I want to not miss a week.  But as for this one, it seems to be the last one updated.  I am going to attempt to catch it up as best I can without boring you, if there is actually anyone who even reads or follows.  But, really this is just a great journal for me as I can print and keep this for posterity if not for anything else.

The annual Burningham Family  Christmas Party was held the Sunday before Christmas and was lots of fun.  We have always had it at one of our homes, but our family is really growing and so this year we had it at mom and dad's club house and it was great.  We have decided that this is what we will continue to do until I guess we don't do it anymore.  I hope that doesn't happen.  It is so much fun to have everyone come together and we have such a great family.  We had Santa and Mrs. Claus come and give gifts to the kids and tell the symbols of Christmas and it was so much fun to have Josh back with us this year.  This year added Brett's new wife, Jerrica and Travis joined us with Alex since they are now married as well.  Tyce, Brittney's baby boy and Rachel, Ted's newest granddaughter are the littlest that were added this year.  And I'm certain it will continue to grow.  My dad was so proud as he said how awesome it was that all were doing so well and making good choices.  What a great family I have.  We are so blessed.

 For years it has become our own little tradition to go out to dinner at Olive Garden and then to Temple Square to see the lights.  This year it was a fast walk through the square as it was so cold.  But, it is so peaceful and pretty there.  It would be so sad if we didn't go there to feel of the spirit that is there and remember why we are blessed to have this wonderful season.  Caleb made me promise we would not stop at the Nativity, which I usually do.  But, with it being below freezing, I was happy to fulfill his wishes and just keep walking.  Love my family and to be able to spend the evening with them was a great time.

 Hoping to catch the Honduras missionaries after they sing Silent Night

 Such a beautiful place to be on Christmas Eve...even if it's freezing.

 The best thing of all was Christmas and the phone call from Mexico.  Stetson was supposed to call on Christmas Eve and let us know when he was going to call, however that never happened.  We were a little sad, but knew it was going to take place just didn't know when. So, we woke up about 8:00 on Christmas morning and opened up our gifts.  Things are certainly different when you don't have little ones anxiously awaiting Santa's visit.  Except I think I was more excited than I any kid ever is waiting for our missionaries to call home.  Oh how you miss those voices.  Finally at about 1:50 an email popped in that said he would be calling in about an hour.  I hurried to get dinner ready to just put in the oven so that we could just totally focus on his call.  When the Skype finally came through and I saw his face, I can't tell you the emotion that races through your soul.  Tears well in your eyes as that sweet boy that you have not seen for almost seven months is looking at you.  Skype is awesome, but the audio wasn't the best.  We had to hold the speakers up to our ears so that we could hear him, but I don't care, his face looked wonderful.  He beamed and was so happy.  He loves his mission and is exactly where he should be. I have never doubted my testimony, but it is a true act of faith for me to send my most treasured and precious possession on a mission.  My brother said it best in a talk he gave a couple of weeks ago.  He has given them to us and all He asks of us is to give them to Him for two years, and He will return them to us better than they left.  They will be better people, better husbands, better dads, better people in the community, better all around, we just have to trust Him and let it happen.  And although hard, that is what we are doing.  But, oh how I miss him, still...

I'm not going to lie, it is so hard to hang up.  He was given an hour and he has always been such a rule follower he knew it was coming time to end.  He told me he had to go and the tears started.  I tried so hard to not let them, but I couldn't help it.  I told him how proud I was of him and how much we loved him, to be safe, obedient and we would continue to pray for him each and every day.  He knew that.  But it still seems like forever until Mother's Day when we get to see his face and hear his voice again.  After we hung up we all ate dinner, I cleaned up the dishes, then went and laid on my bed in the dark for about an hour or more.  Pathetic I know, but it is hard.  Bridger said it is definately better being on this end of that phone call.  But, the next week when we got Stetson's email he said he had a great Christmas.  He wasn't sad.  I know that prayers were answered and he is watched over and protected each and every day.  For that I am so grateful.

And, last but certainly not least.  Caleb doing his duty and putting up the flag on Martin Luther King Day.  He is such a great young man.  He is so much fun and has such a great personality.  He sometimes may murmur, but it never lasts, and as you can see, it's never boring when he's around.